February exams

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Public domain

Oral exam


Please arrive 10 minutes early for the exam.

Duration- about 20 minutes (25 minutes for groups of 3 people).

Format- the test consists of 2 parts.

Part 1 (Oral expression). It can last up to 4 minutes. Each student is required to present a topic. Your partner will listen to you but won't speak. You will be given up to 3 minutes to read the instructions and take a few notes on a separate piece of paper if you feel you need to. This part of the exam tests your ability to speak at length coherently and your ability to give your opinion on a topic. You will keep the card with instructions with you during the exam.

 Part 2 (Oral interaction) It can last up to 4 minutes (6 minutes for groups of 3 people). All the candidates will have the same card with the same instructions. You will be given up to 2 minutes to read the instructions but won't be allowed to write any notes. This part of the exam tests your ability to agree or disagree, to negotiate and collaborate. Do not worry if you exceed the time limit. Your teacher will let you know it is time to stop!

Note: due to time constraints and the lack of rooms available, the oral exam in February will be a shorter version of the real exam in June. For example, for Part 1 you will be given 10 minutes to prepare your topic in a separate room in June.

Written exam

Duration - 2 hours and 30 minutes. 
Format - the test consists of 3 parts.
Part 1- Reading. Task 1 (Choose the best heading that matches the text). Task 2 (Complete the gaps with the most suitable phrase from the list supplied).

 Part 2- Listening. Task 1 (Complete the gaps with the word or short phrase that you hear. You will hear the recording twice).  Task 2 (Listen to short news extracts and choose the best heading for that extract. You will hear this part only once). 

Part 3- Writing. Choose one title and write a 200-230 word essay.


Note: due to time constraints, the written exam will be a shorter version of the real exam in June. The exam will last 4 hours in June.


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